Introducing our new section. The Book Nook. Here we feature small Connecticut book stores. I love a good book. One of my favorite things to do is pull up a chair to my front sun facing window and take some time to read. Here in this section will be your book tour of  Connecticut!

The Hickory Stick Bookshop

🎨 Got an image in mind? Let us transform it into a stunning company logo or a unique gift for someone special. Perfect for showing your appreciation in the most personal way. ❤️

🧥👕 Wondering what to do with those overgrown t-shirts or sweatshirts? Let's give them a new lease of life! How about a personalized pillow, quilt, or tote bag? 🧵🎁

💖 Make a Memory from a cherished sweatshirt.

Our Products Include:

• 🧸 Memory items
• Treasured memory bears 🐻 or other stuffed animals
• Heartfelt memory pillows or quilts
• 👶 Adorable baby items, like onesies, loveys, and blankets
• 🚿 Cozy hooded towels
• Handy tote bags
• 🎀 Elegant table runners

Don't forget, we also offer sewing lessons upon request for those eager to learn and explore! 🧵✂️

No order is too big or too small, and we aim to provide a fast turnaround whenever possible.

🎄🌟 Think of us for your holiday needs and bring some personalized warmth to your celebrations this year! 🎁✨

Mellow Monkey

🛍️ Nestled in the scenic coastal town of Stratford, Connecticut, Mellow Monkey is your ultimate destination for unique and stylish home decor and design needs. Situated in an old warehouse, this gem is slightly off the beaten path, where the Housatonic River meets the Long Island Sound. This venue not only houses the vibrant retail store but also serves as the online fulfillment center, ensuring that customers everywhere experience the charm of Mellow Monkey. 🌊✨

This store is renowned for offering on-trend décor, home accents, and gifts that feature a perfectly curated blend of offerings. The selection ranges from international designers to local artists, giving shoppers the thrill of discovering "anything but the ordinary".🎁🖼️

Whether you're a resident or just passing through, make sure to experience why Mellow Monkey is a popular statewide destination for those who appreciate a touch of elegance and quirkiness in their homes. 🏡🖌️🌟

Have you ever figured out why Connecticut has dead highways? Here is a video on Connecticut highways you might want to take a look at. I know this section highlights roads off the highway. I just took a break this week. Instead of leaving this blank. Take a look at why Connecticut highways are what they are. It is very interesting and as I continue my series. You can have some context when your driving around.

Did you know..

NFL Fans have Connecticut's Walter Camp to thank for some of the fundamentals of the game they love, including the eleven man teams facing off at the line of scrimmage, the snap to the quarterback, and the system of down and yards to go.  It the 4 years between 1880 and 1884, Camp not yet 30, revised the English game of ruby into a separate, unique sport, earning him enduring name as The Father of American Football.

📚 ✈️ Are you planning your next adventure across the United States? Make sure to bring along our unique Travel Word Search Book. As you flip through its pages, you'll embark on a journey through the USA like never before! With each turn, you'll discover interactive crosswords and engaging coloring pages that will guide you to iconic destinations and provide endless fun along the way!

Highlights:

• 🧩 Word Search & Coloring Book: Experience the best of both worlds as this book combines these two beloved activities in one!
• Travel Word Search: Solve engaging puzzles themed around famous US landmarks.
• Travel Coloring Book: Color stunning illustrations of America's most renowned sites.
• USA Travel Book: Your ultimate companion to unlock travel ideas and keep you entertained wherever you roam!

🗺️ Whether you're taking a road trip or flying coast to coast, let this book be your guide to the wonders of the USA. Every page is a new adventure, waiting for you to explore! 🌟

                                         Makes a great gift!

Check out this section every week for our latest Connecticut Crafters!

Are you a Crafter that lives in Connecticut? Click this Link to send us your information so we can include you in our next issue. 

Busy Mom Designs

I am a full-time working mom of 3 children and have been married for almost 20yrs! I lost my mom in 2019 at the age of 65 due to multiple battles of cancer over the years. This was a devastating time for my entire family but having to explain this to my 3 children all under the age of 7 was unthinkable. Crafting became my therapy in my spare time. Busy Mom Designs was then created. So I am a one woman operation that has a full time job and 3 active kids! Let us customize the perfect item for you!

Check out the website for items such as wind chimes, tumblers, bags, Baking Mit Gift Sets, Earrings and more!

The Starz Designs

At The Starz' Designs, every item we create is infused with love and attention to detail. 🌟 We believe in delivering only the best for our customers, whether it's a unique pet goodie, a piece of home decor, or a thoughtful gift. 🎁 Our goal is to bring joy and quality into your home.

We’re not just about products; we’re about creating meaningful connections and offering personalized service that makes you feel like family. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Whether you're treating your furry friend 🐶 or finding that perfect gift, we’re here to make your shopping experience special.

See something you love but it’s not online? Don’t hesitate to send us a message! 📧 We’re happy to help! Thank you for supporting our small business! Your trust and satisfaction are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re excited to share our creations with you. 🥰

Events that have an entrance fee will be noted with $

Saturdays: Winter Farm Market 10-1pm 40 Wallace Ave Wallingford

Feb 3 through March 10 (Tuesdays) Hoops 4 Life

              Youth Nutrition Program 33 Griggs St Waterbury

Feb 6 Galentines Night American Legion 154 Porters Pass Berlin

Feb 7-  Durham Winter Market 144 Picket Lane Durham 10-1pm

Feb 7th Speed Dating for Book Lovers at Worthwhile Reads

Feb 21 Durham Winter Market 144 Picket Lane Durham. 10-1pm

Feb 19-22 CT Flower and Garden Show at the Convention Center$

March 7 & * 8 Meriden Mineral and Gem Show

March 7&8 South Windsor International Day Women's Market

 10-4pm CT Valley Brewing Company 765 Sullivan Ave

March 7 Durham Winter Market 144 Picket Lane Durham 10-1pm

March 13, 14 15 90's Con Hartford

March 21 - 22.  Dragons Realm ComicCon Danbury

March 20-21 Glow in the Dark Psychic Fair Crystal Ballerz Rocky Hill

Popular Sledding Parks in CT

Sledding Locations in Stamford:  Enjoy the snowy fun at popular spots like Dorothy Heroy Park, Fort Stamford, Scalzi Park, and Fish Church, all offering a variety of hills perfect for sledding enthusiasts. 🛷

• Sledding in Greenwich: Experience the thrill at Julian Curtiss School with its wide hill, Western Greenwich Civic Center Park, and Bruce Park. ❄️
• Eastern Connecticut Adventures: Head to Ledyard Middle School, Horsebarn Hill at UConn, or the Roseland Park's Golf Course for diverse sledding experiences. ⛄
• Fairfield County Fun: Discover local schools or parks for hills or consider a visit to Mohawk Mountain for exhilarating tubing. 🌨️

Paid Snow Tubing Parks: Special Amenities!

• Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort in Middlefield offers not only dedicated tubing runs but also sessions filled with music and food, making it a fantastic choice for families. 🎶🍔
• Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall provides another great tubing option. Remember to check their website for availability and opening hours before you go.

💡 Tips for Sledding in Connecticut:

• Snow Depth: Ensure there's enough snow to cover obstacles like rocks and roots for a smooth sledding experience.
• Safety First: Helmets are recommended for younger children, and always have adult supervision. 🪖
• Check Conditions: Call ahead or check online to confirm operating hours and snow conditions, especially for tubing parks. 📞
• Variety of Spots: Some locations, such as
• Scalzi Park, are perfect for younger children, while others like 
• Innis Arden Golf Club offer more daring adventures for the brave-hearted. 🤸‍♂️
• Nelsons Field - Bristol Corner of 69 and Maple Ave
• Walnut Hill Park - New Britain

• Aries (March 21 – April 19): Get ready for a breakthrough in intuition as Mercury enters Pisces on February 6. This is a prime time for self-restoration and quiet reflection to boost your future productivity. Lucky Numbers: 1, 9, 18, 2, 4, 6. 🌟
• Taurus (April 20 – May 20): A surge of positive energy arrives this week. Look for unexpected shifts in your career or public image that allow you to show off your unique brand. Lucky Numbers: 6, 15, 24, 8, 10, 20. 🌠
• Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Communication skills are sharp. It's important to prioritize physical health and avoid overindulgence for clear thinking on new projects. Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 23, 3, 7, 11. 🗣️
• Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Life may feel "beautifully surreal" as desires arrive with surprising ease. Focus on long-term goals like financial stability or travel. Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 20, 4, 13, 22. 🌊
• Leo (July 23 – August 22): Relationships take center stage as you resolve past conflicts. Mercury and Venus in the joint resources sector help sort out money matters with loved ones. Lucky Numbers: 1, 10, 28, 12, 19, 21. 💖
• Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Mindful planning leads to professional growth. Do not force workplace issues; letting them resolve naturally will lead to a better home-life balance. Lucky Numbers: 3, 5, 17, 7, 14, 25. 📈
• Libra (September 23 – October 22): Flow with the universe. Mercury’s move into Pisces on February 6 helps find a better rhythm in daily life and health routines. Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 21, 2, 4, 7. 🔄
• Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Intensity peaks on February 9 with the third-quarter moon in your sign. Follow interests and do not hesitate to walk away from what no longer serves you. Lucky Numbers: 8, 11, 22, 10, 18, 29. 🌕
• Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): This is a week for adventure and growth. While you may feel like "drifting and dreaming" early on, use this energy for creative visualization. Lucky Numbers: 3, 12, 30, 9, 15, 27. 🚀
• Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Hard work continues to pay off. Focus on structure and discipline on Saturday to see progress in your long-term career path. Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 26, 1, 5, 12. 🏆
• Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Mercury shifts into the house of personal resources on February 6, prompting a focus on abundance beyond just wealth—look for emotional stability and new innovative ideas. Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 25, 3, 11, 22. 💡
• Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Your season is approaching, and spiritual energy is high. Trust intuition and insights as Mercury and Venus enter your sign, bringing "spiritual upliftment". Lucky Numbers: 2, 11, 27, 6, 8, 14. 🧘‍♀️

Looking to Make A Change for the New Year?

Affordable online certificate courses offered part-time on your schedule.

Certificate Courses Include some like:

• 3D printing
• AI Consultant
• Bar Owner 
• Brewery Owner
• Cannabis Business Owner
• Criminology 
• Digital Marketing
• Grant Writer
• Graphic Designer
• Personal Assistant
• Property Manager
• Small Business Owner

and More Click the link below to see what training you could take to improve your work life. Or just get some education on your chosen career. Or look for a new one!

Join thousands of graduates today! Check out the many courses here.

Interested in advertising to our incredible readers? Send us. your contact info to get started. Contact Us